Read about the study that discovered how often people are sharing the sexts they receive.

Have you ever sent a sext? I know that I have — and accidentally published that sext on my Snap story for several hours. While that was my mistake, your sexts may still end up in the wrong hands — whether or not you press the right button.

According to research conducted by the University of Alabama, and sponsored by match.com, the “private” pictures and texts you’re sending often end up the opposite. Out of the 5,805 single adults surveyed, 23% of them confessed to sharing sexual photos they had received with their friends. And not just one or two — an average of more than three of them.

While it's possible that the 23% of people who are non-consensually sharing photos are completely outside that 73%, it's likely there are some hypocrites in there who are sharing photos of others they wouldn't want shared of themselves.

Well, now what? What if you and/or your partner like flirting via text? What if your crush has moved far away? We’re not saying not to sext, but to consider the consequences. And most importantly, note that you shouldn’t participate in any sexual activities, including over the phone, unless it’s 100% consensual between both parties and is something you are comfortable with. A healthy relationship is built upon trust, meaning each individual respects other’s wishes and privacy, no matter how different one’s desires are than theirs.

Sexting is meant to be fun and flirty. It’s also meant to be private. Sharing someone’s sexual photos without their consent is illegal, and sexting as or with a minor is a felony. This means it's a federal crime to create, send, receive, or possess any sexual photos of a minor, even if it's just of yourself or your partner, as it's legally considered child pornography. So, please take this into consideration before hitting “send.”

Never feel pressured into doing, or sending, something that you don’t want to. A respectful partner will always be patient and honor your wishes, and if they don’t, they’re not that great of a partner after all. Consent is cool. Confidence is cool. And if you feel confident sending a picture of a puppy, then hey, that’s the most beautiful picture you could ever send.